Being pregnant for the second time (or third, or fourth) has its benefits: you already know your body well enough to know what to expect, and it’s likely that your next childbirth will be easier than the previous one.

You and your partner know how to change diapers and how to feed and bathe a baby, and you’ve probably already figured out an effective way to put your little one to bed. On the other hand, your firstborn will have to adjust to some changes and get used to the idea that they have a sibling.

Be open

Believe it or not, children understand a lot of what you’re saying, and you simply have to be straightforward with them and let them know that they are going to have a baby brother or sister. Answer their questions honestly and openly, tell them that your belly will grow because a baby is inside, and that some things will have to change because their new sibling will not be able to speak or walk for a long time.

Tell them they will have to be responsible and help you around; they will like the idea of being ‘the big one’. Finally they will be able to do what the grownups do as well, and they will be proud of that.

Warn them about changes

While talking to them, gently but firmly tell them that they will have to give up the crib and give it to their young sibling. Buying another crib is neither practical nor cheap, so take this opportunity to turn your older child into big-bed-girl or a boy.

At first they might not like the idea, but that is the reason why you should start preparations on time – several months is more than enough for all of you to get used to the idea of your child sleeping in their own bed.

Involve them as much as possible

Take them to your doctors’ appointments, sonograms, take them shopping for new baby things and tell them about how you did all this when they were in your belly, too. When new baby arrives, have your toddler help you prepare food and baths for their sibling, and have them around as much as you can.

Let them help you with putting the young one to sleep by allowing them to wrap their brother or a sister into a baby sleeping bag and rocking them gently. They will be connected with the baby instantly, watching it grow and helping around will make them feel responsible for their new sibling and they will feel the need to protect them.

Love multiples, not divides

Children are afraid that mommy and daddy will stop loving them now when they are going to have ‘new baby’. Once more, being open and honest is the only way to assure them that you will love them equally.

Tell them all about how love multiplies when you have more children, and not divides as they perhaps fear it will. Tell them (and show them too) about families that have more children and let them see for themselves that you’re speaking the truth.

The transition and adaptation are not easy even for grown up people, and you can only imagine how much effort your toddler will have to put into adjusting to this new situation. Luckily, if you talk to them in advance, and include them into bringing up of their sibling, they will grow up to be gentle and loving children.

Emma Lawson is a busy mom to two wonderful boys. She is passionate about writing. She loves to explore, learn and share about parenting techniques. She is a regular contributor to High Style Life. You can follow her on Twitter @EmmahLawson